Truncated SPAG9 as a novel candidate gene for a new syndrome: Coarse facial features, albinism, cataract and developmental delay (CACD syndrome).

Abstract

Sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) is a member of cancer-testis antigen, having characteristics of a scaffold protein, which is involved in the c-Jun N-terminal kinase JNK signaling pathway, suggesting its key involvement in different physiological processes, such as survival, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and cell proliferation. We identified two families (A and B) having multisystem features like coarse facial features, albinism, cataracts, skeletal abnormalities, and developmental delay. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) in families A and B revealed a homozygous frameshift variant (c.903del; p.Phe301Leufs*2) in the SPAG9 gene. Sanger sequencing of both families revealed perfect segregation of the identified variant in all family members. 3D protein modeling revealed substantial changes in the protein's secondary structure. Furthermore, RT-qPCR revealed a substantial reduction of SPAG9 gene expression at the mRNA level in the affected individuals of both families, thus supporting the pathogenic nature of the identified variant. For the first time in the literature, biallelic SPAG9 gene variation was linked to multisystem-exhibiting features like coarse facial features, albinism, cataracts, skeletal abnormalities, and developmental delay. Thus, this data supports the notion that SPAG9 plays an important role in a multisystemic disorder in humans.